EP3349306A1 - Modular terminal block - Google Patents

Modular terminal block Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3349306A1
EP3349306A1 EP17151113.2A EP17151113A EP3349306A1 EP 3349306 A1 EP3349306 A1 EP 3349306A1 EP 17151113 A EP17151113 A EP 17151113A EP 3349306 A1 EP3349306 A1 EP 3349306A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
additional
main part
housing
terminal block
connection terminal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17151113.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3349306B1 (en
Inventor
Armando Vilas Boas
Vincent Parniere
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Schweiz AG
Original Assignee
ABB Schweiz AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ABB Schweiz AG filed Critical ABB Schweiz AG
Priority to EP17151113.2A priority Critical patent/EP3349306B1/en
Publication of EP3349306A1 publication Critical patent/EP3349306A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3349306B1 publication Critical patent/EP3349306B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
    • H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
    • H01R9/2408—Modular blocks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/08—Terminals; Connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/48185—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end
    • H01R4/48275—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end with an opening in the housing for insertion of a release tool

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a terminal block for an electrical appliance, in particular an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit able to be coupled to an electric contactor, the terminal block comprising a housing formed of an electrically insulating material and configured so as to allow the mounting of a plurality of connection terminals each operating by direct plugging.
  • an electrical contactor is an electrical apparatus comprising an electrically insulating housing enclosing a plurality of electrical contacts each varying, by an external control, particularly of electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact and an open configuration where the electrical contact is not established.
  • An electric contactor also comprises a plurality of connection terminals mounted in the housing and elements for removably fixing the housing on a support, for example a support rail of an electrical cabinet.
  • An auxiliary unit is an electrical apparatus also comprising an electrically insulating housing enclosing electrical contacts and connection terminals.
  • An auxiliary unit comprises elements making it possible to fix this box removably on a front face or a lateral face of the housing of an electric contactor.
  • the auxiliary unit is configured so that the configuration change of its electrical contacts is controlled by the configuration change of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.
  • connection terminals of an electrical contactor or an auxiliary unit make it possible to electrically connect at least one electrical conductor such as an electric wire.
  • the electrical conductor thus connected via one of the connection terminals is intended to be electrically connected to a conductive element internal to the contactor or to the auxiliary unit, this conductive element being itself electrically connected to a fixed part of the one of the electrical contacts.
  • each connection terminal generally comprises a contact spring arranged to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor in the contact spring and then to exercise , by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after its insertion, this pressure force being able to maintain the electrical conductor in an axially blocked state by the contact spring.
  • each of the contact springs In an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit, it is known to secure the behavior of each of the contact springs at the time of insertion of the electrical conductor by providing one or more support surfaces arranged so as to on the one hand guide how to deform the contact spring during the insertion of the electrical conductor, on the other hand to limit the state of deformation of the contact spring to remain below its plastic deformation.
  • These surfaces are generally defined by the housing of the electrical device or reported on it or on the contact spring. They are generally inserted into the contact spring by the side thereof, that is to say perpendicular to the plane in which the contact spring is deformed. Generally speaking, the arrangement of these surfaces forces the contact springs to be placed in the housing by the side, that is to say once again in a direction transverse to the plane in which it is deformed.
  • the present invention aims to solve all or part of the disadvantages listed above.
  • a terminal for an electrical device including an electrical contactor or an auxiliary unit adapted to be coupled to an electrical contactor, the terminal block comprising a housing formed in an electrically insulating material, the housing comprising a main portion defining at least one pair of lateral housings offset from each other parallel to a first direction and in each of which a direct plug connection terminal is mounted, at least one additional portion formed in a separate room from the main portion and defining at least one central housing wherein another direct plug connection terminal is mounted, and mounting members securing said at least one additional portion on the main portion in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal carried by said additional portion is located between the connection terminals mount in the lateral recesses delimited by the main part and in which the connection terminals mounted in the lateral recesses delimited by the main part and each connection terminal carried by the said at least one additional part are arranged along a row oriented according to the first direction.
  • the main part delimits two distinct pairs of lateral housings where the two lateral housings of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction, two lateral housings belonging to different pairs being offset in one direction. perpendicular to the first direction, the lateral housings of the two pairs being arranged such that, when said at least one additional part occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals mounted in the lateral housings of the two pairs delimited by the main part and the terminals of connection carried by said at least one additional portion are arranged along two distinct parallel rows and oriented in the first direction.
  • the box comprises two distinct additional parts, each additional part delimiting at least one central housing and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of one of the two additional parts belongs to one of two rows and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of the other of the two additional parts belongs to the other of the two rows when the two additional parts occupy their functional configurations.
  • each direct plug connection terminal comprises a contact spring mounted in the main part or in said at least one additional part and at least one support surface configured so as to guide the way in which deforms the contact spring and limit its deformation, the bearing surface being placed relative to the contact spring with a relative displacement oriented in the first direction.
  • said at least one bearing surface is secured to a clip independent of both the housing and the contact spring and comprising fixing elements configured so as to mount the clip on the contact spring, in particular reversibly.
  • the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part are configured so that the fixing of said at least one additional part requires a relative displacement between the additional part and the main part according to a second direction oriented transversely to the first direction.
  • the first direction and the second direction are oriented parallel to the plane in which are positioned fasteners of the housing to a support outside the electrical device such as a support rail of a cabinet in the case where the electrical apparatus is an electric contactor or a case of an electric contactor in the case where the electrical apparatus is an auxiliary block.
  • the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part comprise first integral mounting members of the main part and second integral mounting members of the additional part, the first and second mounting members cooperating with each other by snapping.
  • the housing comprises a protective cover formed in a part independent of the main part and of said at least one additional part, and assembly elements ensuring a removable attachment of the protective cover on the part. and at least one additional part occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration in which the protective cover covers all or part of the main part and the said at least one additional part in a way that prevents manual access to the terminals. direct plug-in connection carried by the main part and said at least one additional part.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover requires a relative displacement between the protective cover and the main part in a third direction oriented transversely to the first direction.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover comprise first integral fastening members of the main part and second integral fastening members of the protective cover, the first and second assembly members. cooperating with each other by snapping.
  • the protective cover comprises at least a first orifice associated with each connection terminal of the main part and at each connection terminal of the said at least one additional part, each first orifice being arranged opposite the connection terminal associated with it and comprising internal guiding elements able to guide an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first port until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal.
  • the invention relates to a terminal block for an electrical appliance, in particular an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit able to be coupled to an electric contactor.
  • the electrical apparatus (whether constituting an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit) comprises at least one terminal block whose general principles will be described below.
  • the electrical apparatus constituting an electric contactor comprises a plurality of electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and each varying, by an external control particularly of electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact between the mobile and fixed parts. and an open configuration where this electrical contact is not established.
  • the movable portion of the electrical contacts is integral with a movable armature able to move in one direction under the effect of a magnetic field imposed for example by a coil and in the opposite direction under the effect a recall mechanism.
  • This electrical device also comprises elements for fixing the electrical device on a support, such as a support rail of a control cabinet.
  • the electrical apparatus constituting an auxiliary unit comprises electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and also varying each between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
  • This auxiliary block type electrical apparatus comprises elements allowing the configuration change of its electrical contacts to be controlled by the configuration change of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.
  • the term "electrical appliance” used later can mean either an auxiliary unit or an electric contactor.
  • the invention which relates to a terminal block for electrical apparatus must be understood as being indifferently a terminal block for an electrical contactor or a terminal block for an auxiliary block as described above in their general principles.
  • the terminal block object of the invention comprises a housing formed in an electrically insulating material.
  • the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the housing of the electric switch as a whole.
  • the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the box of the auxiliary block as a whole.
  • the Figure 1 appended represents the particular case where the terminal block is a terminal block for an auxiliary block, this auxiliary block being marked 10. All the principles which will be developed in relation to the auxiliary block 10 could quite be adapted by the skilled person to the case of a terminal block for an electric switch.
  • the auxiliary block 10 of the Figure 1 comprises an example of a terminal block according to the invention, this terminal block comprising the housing 11 which is formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the terminal block also comprises fixing elements 12 configured so as to fix the housing 11 removably on a front face of an electric switch (not shown).
  • the housing 11 constitutes the housing of the auxiliary block 10 as a whole.
  • the fastening elements 12, which may in particular be of snap type without this being limiting as to their nature, are positioned on the rear face 13 of the auxiliary block 10.
  • the fastening elements 12 are notably borne at least partially by the case 11, on its rear face.
  • the auxiliary unit 10 comprises electrical contacts as mentioned above, each having a fixed part and a movable part and housed in the housing 11. Each electrical contact varies, by moving its moving part , between an open configuration opening the electrical contact between the movable and fixed parts and a closed configuration closing this electrical contact.
  • the auxiliary unit 10 comprises means ensuring that the configuration change of its electrical contacts is controlled by the configuration change of the electrical contacts of an electrical contactor on which it is mounted via the fixing elements 12.
  • the auxiliary unit 10 comprises an actuating element 30 integral with the moving parts of the electrical contacts and able to be actuated by the movable armature of the electrical contactor on which the auxiliary block 10 is intended to be fixed by means of the fastening elements 12 .
  • the housing 11 delimits a plurality of individual housings which will be described in more detail below.
  • Each housing of the housing 11 is arranged to allow the assembly of at least one connection terminal 14 in the housing 11.
  • the terminal block comprises a plurality of separate connection terminals 14, accessible through the front face 15 of the auxiliary block 10, that is to say the face opposite to the rear face 13 which is intended to be turned towards the electric switch when the housing 11 is mounted on this electric switch via the fastening elements 12.
  • connection terminal 14 is intended to establish an electrical and mechanical contact between an electrical conductor (such as an electrical wire) inserted into this connection terminal 14 and an electrical conductor internal to the auxiliary block itself electrically connected to the fixed part. from one of the contacts mentioned above.
  • the shape and nature of this internal electrical conductor are in no way limiting.
  • the housing 11 is composed of several independent parts of each other and able to be assembled to each other in a demountable manner.
  • the housing 11 essentially comprises a main portion 20 and at least one additional portion 22 separate from each other and intended to be assembled together and a protective cover 19 formed in a room independent of the parts 20, 22 mentioned above. and intended to cover the parts 20, 22 to prevent manual access to the connection terminals 14 to avoid any risk of electrocution.
  • the housing 11 thus comprises a main portion 20 defining at least one pair of lateral housings 21 offset from each other parallel to a first direction D1 and in each of which is mounted a connection terminal 14 operating by direct plugging.
  • the fixing elements 12 are in particular arranged on the rear face of this main part 20.
  • the housing 11 also comprises at least one additional portion 22 formed in a separate part of the main part 20 and defining at least one central housing 23 in which is mounted another connection terminal 14 operating by direct plugging.
  • each central housing 23 of the additional part 22 is generally framed by the two lateral housings 21 delimited by the main part 20, in the direction in which these two lateral housings 21 are themselves offset. one compared to the other.
  • connection terminals 14 may have some masking relative to each other in the first direction D1, thus allowing some offset possible a connection terminal 14 to another transversely to the first direction D1.
  • Each additional portion 22 is positioned, in its functional configuration, in a receiving housing 29 delimited by the main portion 20.
  • the receiving housing 29 is located between the two lateral housings 21 of the pair and is framed by the latter the first direction D1.
  • the mounting elements which make it possible to fix the additional part 22 on the main part 20 are configured so that the fixing of the additional part 22 requires a displacement between this additional part 22 and the main part 20 according to a second direction D2 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are oriented parallel to the plane in which the fastening elements 12 are located.
  • the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially perpendicular (at plus or minus 20 degrees) to the insertion direction of an electrical conductor in each connection terminal 14.
  • each additional part 22 on the main part 20 may comprise first mounting members 25 secured to the main portion 20 and second mounting members 26 integral with the additional portion 22, the first and second members 25, 26 cooperating with each other by snapping, as illustrated in the example of the Figure 1 .
  • the protective cover 19 comprises at least a first orifice 17 associated with each connection terminal 14 of the main part 20 and at each connection terminal 14 of said at least one additional part 22, each first orifice 17 being arranged opposite the connection terminal 14 which is associated with it and comprising internal guide elements able to guide an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice 17 until plug into the connection terminal 14 associated.
  • the main portion 20 may delimit a single pair of lateral housings 21 offset from each other in the first direction D1 and able to form a single row of connection terminals 14 oriented in the first direction D1 together with the terminal or terminals (s) 14 connection (s) in at least one central housing 23 of at least one additional portion 22 being positioned between the lateral housing 21 of this single pair of lateral housings 21.
  • the main part 20 may delimit at least two distinct pairs of lateral housings 21 where the two lateral housings 21 of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction D1.
  • Two lateral housings 21 belonging to different pairs are offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, oriented in particular along the second direction D2.
  • the lateral housings 21 of the two pairs are arranged so that, when said at least one additional part 22 is fixed on the main part 20 and occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals 14 mounted in the lateral housings 21 of the two pairs delimited by the main part 20 and the connection terminals 14 carried by said at least one additional part 22 are arranged along two distinct parallel rows and oriented in the first direction D1.
  • the housing 11 may optionally comprise a single additional portion 22 to removably relate to the main portion 20, this single additional portion 22 then comprising a or several connection terminals 14 mounted in corresponding central recesses 23.
  • the housing 11 may comprise at least two separate additional parts 22, each additional portion 22 delimiting at least one central housing 23.
  • the connection terminal 14 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of one of said at least two parts additional 22 belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal 24 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of the other of said at least two additional parts 22 belongs to the other of the two rows when each additional part 22 occupies its functional configuration.
  • the housing 11 comprises two separate additional parts 22 and each of them delimits two central housings 23. These two additional parts 22 are intended to be mounted on the same and only main part 20. When each of the two additional parts 22 occupies its functional configuration, they are offset relative to each other in the second direction D2.
  • the main portion 20 delimits a first pair of lateral housings 21 intended to constitute a first row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of one of the two additional parts 22 and a second pair of lateral housings 21 intended to form a second row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of the other of the two additional parts 22.
  • Each of these two rows comprises two connection terminals 14 mounted in the main part 20 and two terminals connection 14 mounted in one of the two additional parts 22.
  • each connection terminal 14 mounted in the housing 11 operates by direct plugging and comprises for this purpose a contact spring 16 arranged to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor in the contact spring 16 and then exert, by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after its insertion, this pressure force being able to maintain the electrical conductor axially blocked by the spring of contact 16.
  • the connection terminals 14 operating by direct plugging are also known by the name of connection terminal pressure or "push-in" in English terminology.
  • the protective cover 19 delimits at least one such first orifice 17 and at least one such second orifice 18. In the variant shown, it is provided at the base of each connection terminal 14 two first orifices 17 and two second orifices 18 so that each connection terminal 14 allows the introduction of two different electrical conductors. Indeed, it should be noted that depending on the design of the connection terminals 14, each of them can allow to connect one or more conductors (s) electric (s) distinct.
  • the nature and organization of the contact spring 16 are not limiting and may be any as soon as the contact spring 16 meets the functions presented in a general manner previously.
  • the organization of the elastic part may be a function of the material and the shape of the contact spring, the expected thickness of the electrical conductors to be maintained, the desired pressure force to keep the electrical conductor in its contact position. , the shape and design of the case 11 etc ....
  • Each connection terminal 14 is equipped with at least one support surface configured to guide the manner in which the contact spring 16 deforms during the insertion of the electrical conductor and to limit its deformation.
  • the nature and organization of said at least one bearing surface is directly related to those of the corresponding contact spring 16.
  • Each bearing surface is placed in relation to the contact spring 16 with a relative displacement oriented parallel to the first direction D1.
  • the bearing surfaces may be integral with a piece commonly called "key" secured to the housing 11, coming from material with the latter or not, or independent and removable from the housing 11 and the spring 16.
  • the Figure 1 represents the particular case where the key carrying the bearing surfaces is independent of the housing 11 and the corresponding spring 16 and takes the form of a clip 24 independent of the housing 11 and the spring 16.
  • the clip 24 comprises fixing elements configured so as to mount the clip 24 on the contact spring 16, in particular reversibly.
  • the clip 24 defines a bearing surface against which the contact spring 16 is supported during the deformation of its elastic portion under the action of the external force, to impose the manner in which the elastic portion of the contact spring 16 is deforms spatially and against which the contact spring 16 abuts in its state of maximum deformation to limit the elastic deformation of the elastic portion of the contact spring below a predetermined value whatever the intensity of the external force imposed by the electrical conductor or by the unlocking tool.
  • Each clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 with which it cooperates in a mounting direction oriented transversely to the plane in which the contact spring 16 is deformed and parallel to the first direction D1.
  • the clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 before the spring 16 is put into place either in one of the lateral housings 21 of the main part 20, or in a central housing 23. of said at least one additional part 22.
  • each additional part 22 previously equipped with contact springs 16 and staples 24 at each of its connection terminals 14 is assembled with the main part 20.
  • the housing 11 comprises assembly elements providing a removable attachment of the protective cover 19 on the main part 20 and on said at least one additional part 22 occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration (not shown) in which the cover of protection 19 covers all or part of the main part 20 and of said at least one additional part 22 in a way preventing manual access to the connection terminals 14 carried by the main part 20 and by said at least one additional part 22.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover 19 requires a relative displacement between the protective cover 19 and the main part 20 in a third direction D3 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • the third direction D3 is in particular perpendicular to the second direction D2 also.
  • the third direction D3 is in particular oriented perpendicularly to the plane in which the fastening elements 12 are located.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are in no way limiting and may be any as soon as they are adapted to the desired function and described here.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 may for example comprise first assembly members 27 integral with the main part 20 and second assembly members 28 integral with the protective cover 19, the first and second members assembly 27, 28 cooperating with one another by latching, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 .

Abstract

Un bornier pour un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire (10) apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique, comprend un boitier (11) formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant et présentant une partie principale (20) délimitant au moins une paire de logements latéraux (21) décalés entre eux parallèlement à une première direction (D1) et dans chacun desquels une borne de connexion (14) par enfichage direct est montée. Le boitier comprend au moins une partie additionnelle (22) formée dans une pièce distincte de la partie principale (20) et délimitant au moins un logement central (23) dans lequel une autre borne de connexion (14) par enfichage direct est montée. Des éléments de montage (25, 26) assurent une fixation de la partie additionnelle (22) sur la partie principale (20) dans une configuration fonctionnelle dans laquelle chaque borne de connexion (14) portée par ladite partie additionnelle (22) est située entre les bornes de connexion (14) montées dans les logements latéraux (21) délimités par la partie principale (20) et dans laquelle les bornes de connexion (14) montées dans les logements latéraux (21) délimités par la partie principale (20) et chaque borne de connexion (14) portée par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) sont disposées le long d'une rangée orientée selon la première direction (D1).

Figure imgaf001
A terminal block for an electrical apparatus, in particular an electric contactor or an auxiliary block (10) capable of being coupled to an electric contactor, comprises a housing (11) formed of an electrically insulating material and having a main part (20) delimiting at least a pair of lateral housings (21) offset from each other parallel to a first direction (D1) and in each of which a direct plug connection terminal (14) is mounted. The housing includes at least one additional portion (22) formed in a separate room from the main portion (20) and defining at least one central housing (23) in which another direct plug connection terminal (14) is mounted. Mounting elements (25, 26) provide attachment of the additional portion (22) to the main portion (20) in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal (14) carried by said additional portion (22) is located between the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral recesses (21) delimited by the main part (20) and in which the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral recesses (21) delimited by the main part (20) and each connection terminal (14) carried by said at least one additional part (22) is arranged along a row oriented in the first direction (D1).
Figure imgaf001

Description

La présente invention concerne un bornier pour un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique, le bornier comprenant un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant et configuré de sorte à permettre le montage d'une pluralité de bornes de connexion fonctionnant chacune par enfichage direct.The present invention relates to a terminal block for an electrical appliance, in particular an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit able to be coupled to an electric contactor, the terminal block comprising a housing formed of an electrically insulating material and configured so as to allow the mounting of a plurality of connection terminals each operating by direct plugging.

De manière connue, un contacteur électrique est un appareil électrique comprenant un boitier électriquement isolant renfermant une pluralité de contacts électriques variant chacun, par une commande externe notamment de type électrique, entre une configuration fermée établissant un contact électrique et une configuration ouverte où le contact électrique n'est pas établi. Un contacteur électrique comprend aussi une pluralité de bornes de connexion montées dans le boitier et des éléments permettant de fixer de manière démontable le boitier sur un support, par exemple un rail de support d'une armoire électrique.In known manner, an electrical contactor is an electrical apparatus comprising an electrically insulating housing enclosing a plurality of electrical contacts each varying, by an external control, particularly of electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact and an open configuration where the electrical contact is not established. An electric contactor also comprises a plurality of connection terminals mounted in the housing and elements for removably fixing the housing on a support, for example a support rail of an electrical cabinet.

Un bloc auxiliaire est quant à lui un appareil électrique comprenant également un boitier électriquement isolant renfermant des contacts électriques et des bornes de connexion. Un bloc auxiliaire comprend des éléments permettant de fixer ce boitier de manière démontable sur une face avant ou une face latérale du boitier d'un contacteur électrique. Le bloc auxiliaire est configuré de sorte que le changement de configuration de ses contacts électriques est commandé par le changement de configuration des contacts électriques du contacteur électrique sur lequel il est monté.An auxiliary unit is an electrical apparatus also comprising an electrically insulating housing enclosing electrical contacts and connection terminals. An auxiliary unit comprises elements making it possible to fix this box removably on a front face or a lateral face of the housing of an electric contactor. The auxiliary unit is configured so that the configuration change of its electrical contacts is controlled by the configuration change of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.

Classiquement, les bornes de connexion d'un contacteur électrique ou d'un bloc auxiliaire permettent de raccorder électriquement au moins un conducteur électrique tel qu'un fil électrique. Le conducteur électrique ainsi raccordé par l'intermédiaire de l'une des bornes de connexion est destiné à être relié électriquement à un élément conducteur interne au contacteur ou au bloc auxiliaire, cet élément conducteur étant lui-même relié électriquement à une partie fixe de l'un des contacts électriques.Conventionally, the connection terminals of an electrical contactor or an auxiliary unit make it possible to electrically connect at least one electrical conductor such as an electric wire. The electrical conductor thus connected via one of the connection terminals is intended to be electrically connected to a conductive element internal to the contactor or to the auxiliary unit, this conductive element being itself electrically connected to a fixed part of the one of the electrical contacts.

Dans le domaine des contacteurs électriques et des blocs auxiliaires, il existe classiquement deux types de borne de connexion :

  • les bornes de connexion assurant la retenue du conducteur électrique après une opération de vissage d'un organe de serrage,
  • les bornes de connexion comprenant un ressort qu'il convient d'ouvrir à l'aide d'un outil adapté pour la mise en place du conducteur électrique et qui se ferme automatiquement après le retrait de cet outil,
  • les bornes de connexion fonctionnant par enfichage direct, également connues dans le domaine concerné sous le terme « push-in » en terminologie anglo-saxonne.
In the field of electrical contactors and auxiliary blocks, there are conventionally two types of connection terminal:
  • the connection terminals ensuring the retention of the electrical conductor after a screwing operation of a clamping member,
  • the connection terminals comprising a spring which must be opened by means of a tool adapted for the introduction of the electrical conductor and which closes automatically after removal of this tool,
  • connection terminals operating by direct plugging, also known in the field concerned under the term "push-in" in English terminology.

Dans le cas particulier des bornes de connexion par enfichage direct, chaque borne de connexion comprend généralement un ressort de contact agencé de sorte à s'ouvrir automatiquement sous l'action de l'insertion du conducteur électrique dans le ressort de contact et à exercer ensuite, par rappel élastique de sa matière, un effort de pression sur le conducteur électrique après son enfichage, cet effort de pression étant capable de maintenir le conducteur électrique dans un état bloqué axialement par le ressort de contact.In the particular case of the direct plug connection terminals, each connection terminal generally comprises a contact spring arranged to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor in the contact spring and then to exercise , by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after its insertion, this pressure force being able to maintain the electrical conductor in an axially blocked state by the contact spring.

Dans un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire, il est connu de sécuriser le comportement de chacun des ressorts de contact au moment de l'enfichage du conducteur électrique en prévoyant une ou plusieurs surfaces d'appui agencées de telle sorte à d'une part guider la manière de se déformer du ressort de contact durant l'insertion du conducteur électrique, d'autre part limiter l'état de déformation du ressort de contact pour rester en dessous de sa déformation plastique. Ces surfaces sont généralement délimitées par le boitier de l'appareil électrique ou rapportées sur celui-ci ou sur le ressort de contact. Elles viennent généralement s'insérer dans le ressort de contact par le côté de celui-ci, c'est-à-dire perpendiculairement au plan dans lequel le ressort de contact se déforme. De manière générale, l'aménagement de ces surfaces oblige à une mise en place des ressorts de contact dans le boitier par le côté, c'est-à-dire une fois encore dans une direction transversale au plan dans lequel il se déforme.In an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit, it is known to secure the behavior of each of the contact springs at the time of insertion of the electrical conductor by providing one or more support surfaces arranged so as to on the one hand guide how to deform the contact spring during the insertion of the electrical conductor, on the other hand to limit the state of deformation of the contact spring to remain below its plastic deformation. These surfaces are generally defined by the housing of the electrical device or reported on it or on the contact spring. They are generally inserted into the contact spring by the side thereof, that is to say perpendicular to the plane in which the contact spring is deformed. Generally speaking, the arrangement of these surfaces forces the contact springs to be placed in the housing by the side, that is to say once again in a direction transverse to the plane in which it is deformed.

Il en résulte que ces solutions connues sont contraignantes et souffrent ainsi d'un manque de modularité et de liberté de conception et d'implémentation, notamment vis-à-vis de l'aptitude de l'appareil électrique à pouvoir s'adapter à son environnement (en fonction par exemple de l'encombrement et de la place disponible en termes de largeur, de hauteur ou de profondeur) au sein de l'armoire électrique. Notamment, il est difficile de parvenir à un contacteur électrique ou à un bloc auxiliaire comprenant au moins trois bornes de connexion push-in distinctes alignées sur une même rangée dès lors que l'on souhaite intégrer des surfaces d'appui qui coopèrent avec le ressort afin de sécuriser son comportement. Pourtant, aboutir à une organisation à au moins trois bornes de connexion alignées pourrait s'avérer très avantageux dans certaines situations.As a result, these known solutions are restrictive and thus suffer from a lack of modularity and freedom of design and implementation, particularly with respect to the aptitude of the electrical appliance to be able to adapt to its environment (depending eg on space and available space in terms of width, height or depth) within the control cabinet. In particular, it is difficult to obtain an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit comprising at least three distinct push-in connection terminals aligned on the same row when it is desired to integrate support surfaces which cooperate with the spring to secure its behavior. However, achieving an organization with at least three aligned connection terminals could prove very advantageous in certain situations.

La présente invention vise à résoudre tout ou partie des inconvénients listés ci-dessus.The present invention aims to solve all or part of the disadvantages listed above.

Dans ce contexte, il existe un besoin de fournir un bornier pour un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire, qui soit simple, économique, et qui offre une excellente modularité et une grande liberté de conception et de mise en oeuvre.In this context, there is a need to provide a terminal block for an electrical device, including an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block, which is simple, economical, and offers excellent modularity and great freedom of design and implementation.

A cet effet, il est proposé un bornier pour un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique, le bornier comprenant un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant, le boitier comprenant une partie principale délimitant au moins une paire de logements latéraux décalés entre eux parallèlement à une première direction et dans chacun desquels une borne de connexion par enfichage direct est montée, au moins une partie additionnelle formée dans une pièce distincte de la partie principale et délimitant au moins un logement central dans lequel une autre borne de connexion par enfichage direct est montée, et des éléments de montage assurant une fixation de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sur la partie principale dans une configuration fonctionnelle dans laquelle chaque borne de connexion portée par ladite partie additionnelle est située entre les bornes de connexion montées dans les logements latéraux délimités par la partie principale et dans laquelle les bornes de connexion montées dans les logements latéraux délimités par la partie principale et chaque borne de connexion portée par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sont disposées le long d'une rangée orientée selon la première direction.For this purpose, it is proposed a terminal for an electrical device, including an electrical contactor or an auxiliary unit adapted to be coupled to an electrical contactor, the terminal block comprising a housing formed in an electrically insulating material, the housing comprising a main portion defining at least one pair of lateral housings offset from each other parallel to a first direction and in each of which a direct plug connection terminal is mounted, at least one additional portion formed in a separate room from the main portion and defining at least one central housing wherein another direct plug connection terminal is mounted, and mounting members securing said at least one additional portion on the main portion in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal carried by said additional portion is located between the connection terminals mount in the lateral recesses delimited by the main part and in which the connection terminals mounted in the lateral recesses delimited by the main part and each connection terminal carried by the said at least one additional part are arranged along a row oriented according to the first direction.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, la partie principale délimite deux paires distinctes de logements latéraux où les deux logements latéraux de chacune des deux paires sont décalés entre eux parallèlement à la première direction, deux logements latéraux appartenant à des paires différentes étant décalés dans une direction perpendiculaire à la première direction, les logements latéraux des deux paires étant agencés de sorte que, lorsque ladite au moins une partie additionnelle occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, les bornes de connexion montées dans les logements latéraux des deux paires délimitées par la partie principale et les bornes de connexion portées par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sont disposées le long de deux rangées distinctes parallèles et orientées selon la première direction.According to a particular embodiment, the main part delimits two distinct pairs of lateral housings where the two lateral housings of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction, two lateral housings belonging to different pairs being offset in one direction. perpendicular to the first direction, the lateral housings of the two pairs being arranged such that, when said at least one additional part occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals mounted in the lateral housings of the two pairs delimited by the main part and the terminals of connection carried by said at least one additional portion are arranged along two distinct parallel rows and oriented in the first direction.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le boitier comprend deux parties additionnelles distinctes, chaque partie additionnelle délimitant au moins un logement central et la borne de connexion montée dans ledit au moins un logement central de l'une des deux parties additionnelles appartient à l'une des deux rangées et la borne de connexion montée dans ledit au moins un logement central de l'autre des deux parties additionnelles appartient à l'autre des deux rangées lorsque les deux parties additionnelles occupent leurs configurations fonctionnelles.According to another embodiment, the box comprises two distinct additional parts, each additional part delimiting at least one central housing and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of one of the two additional parts belongs to one of two rows and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of the other of the two additional parts belongs to the other of the two rows when the two additional parts occupy their functional configurations.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, chaque borne de connexion par enfichage direct comprend un ressort de contact monté dans la partie principale ou dans ladite au moins une partie additionnelle et au moins une surface d'appui configurée de sorte à guider la manière dont se déforme le ressort de contact et à limiter sa déformation, la surface d'appui étant mise en place par rapport au ressort de contact moyennant un déplacement relatif orienté selon la première direction.According to yet another embodiment, each direct plug connection terminal comprises a contact spring mounted in the main part or in said at least one additional part and at least one support surface configured so as to guide the way in which deforms the contact spring and limit its deformation, the bearing surface being placed relative to the contact spring with a relative displacement oriented in the first direction.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, ladite au moins une surface d'appui est solidaire d'une agrafe indépendante à la fois du boitier et du ressort de contact et comprenant des éléments de fixation configurés de sorte à pouvoir monter l'agrafe sur le ressort de contact, notamment de manière réversible.According to yet another embodiment, said at least one bearing surface is secured to a clip independent of both the housing and the contact spring and comprising fixing elements configured so as to mount the clip on the contact spring, in particular reversibly.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments de montage de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sur la partie principale sont configurés de sorte que la fixation de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle nécessite un déplacement relatif entre la partie additionnelle et la partie principale selon une deuxième direction orientée transversalement à la première direction.According to yet another embodiment, the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part are configured so that the fixing of said at least one additional part requires a relative displacement between the additional part and the main part according to a second direction oriented transversely to the first direction.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, la première direction et la deuxième direction sont orientées parallèlement au plan dans lequel sont positionnés des éléments de fixation du boitier à un support extérieur à l'appareil électrique tel qu'un rail de support d'une armoire électrique dans le cas où l'appareil électrique est un contacteur électrique ou un boitier d'un contacteur électrique dans le cas où l'appareil électrique est un bloc auxiliaire.According to yet another embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are oriented parallel to the plane in which are positioned fasteners of the housing to a support outside the electrical device such as a support rail of a cabinet in the case where the electrical apparatus is an electric contactor or a case of an electric contactor in the case where the electrical apparatus is an auxiliary block.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments de montage de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sur la partie principale comprennent des premiers organes de montage solidaires de la partie principale et des deuxièmes organes de montage solidaires de la partie additionnelle, les premiers et deuxièmes organes de montage coopérant entre eux par encliquetage.According to yet another embodiment, the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part comprise first integral mounting members of the main part and second integral mounting members of the additional part, the first and second mounting members cooperating with each other by snapping.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, le boitier comprend un couvercle de protection formé dans une pièce indépendante de la partie principale et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle, et des éléments d'assemblage assurant une fixation démontable du couvercle de protection sur la partie principale et sur ladite au moins une partie additionnelle occupant la configuration fonctionnelle, dans une configuration opérationnelle dans laquelle le couvercle de protection recouvre tout ou partie de la partie principale et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle d'une manière interdisant un accès manuel aux bornes de connexion par enfichage direct portées par la partie principale et par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle.According to yet another embodiment, the housing comprises a protective cover formed in a part independent of the main part and of said at least one additional part, and assembly elements ensuring a removable attachment of the protective cover on the part. and at least one additional part occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration in which the protective cover covers all or part of the main part and the said at least one additional part in a way that prevents manual access to the terminals. direct plug-in connection carried by the main part and said at least one additional part.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection sont configurés de sorte que la fixation du couvercle de protection nécessite un déplacement relatif entre le couvercle de protection et la partie principale selon une troisième direction orientée transversalement à la première direction.According to yet another embodiment, the assembly elements of the protective cover are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover requires a relative displacement between the protective cover and the main part in a third direction oriented transversely to the first direction.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection comprennent des premiers organes d'assemblage solidaires de la partie principale et des deuxièmes organes d'assemblage solidaires du couvercle de protection, les premiers et deuxièmes organes d'assemblage coopérant entre eux par encliquetage.According to yet another embodiment, the assembly elements of the protective cover comprise first integral fastening members of the main part and second integral fastening members of the protective cover, the first and second assembly members. cooperating with each other by snapping.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, le couvercle de protection comprend au moins un premier orifice associé à chaque borne de connexion de la partie principale et à chaque borne de connexion de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle, chaque premier orifice étant agencé en regard de la borne de connexion qui lui est associée et comprenant des éléments internes de guidage aptes à guider un conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice jusqu'à s'enficher dans la borne de connexion associée.According to yet another embodiment, the protective cover comprises at least a first orifice associated with each connection terminal of the main part and at each connection terminal of the said at least one additional part, each first orifice being arranged opposite the connection terminal associated with it and comprising internal guiding elements able to guide an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first port until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal.

L'invention sera bien comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit de modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et représentés sur la Figure 1 unique qui illustre un exemple de bornier selon l'invention, à l'état éclaté.The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and represented on the Figure 1 unique example that illustrates an example of a terminal block according to the invention, in the exploded state.

De manière générale, l'invention concerne un bornier pour un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique. Autrement dit, l'appareil électrique (qu'il soit constitutif d'un contacteur électrique ou d'un bloc auxiliaire) comprend au moins un bornier dont les principes généraux seront décrits ci-après.In general, the invention relates to a terminal block for an electrical appliance, in particular an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit able to be coupled to an electric contactor. In other words, the electrical apparatus (whether constituting an electric contactor or an auxiliary unit) comprises at least one terminal block whose general principles will be described below.

L'appareil électrique constituant un contacteur électrique comprend une pluralité de contacts électriques ayant chacun une partie mobile et une partie fixe et variant chacun, par une commande externe notamment de type électrique, entre une configuration fermée établissant un contact électrique entre les parties mobile et fixe et une configuration ouverte où ce contact électrique n'est pas établi. A titre d'exemple, la partie mobile des contacts électrique est solidaire d'une armature mobile apte à se déplacer dans un sens sous l'effet d'un champ magnétique imposé par exemple par une bobine et dans le sens inverse sous l'effet d'un mécanisme de rappel. Cet appareil électrique comprend aussi des éléments permettant de fixer l'appareil électrique sur un support, comme par exemple un rail de support d'une armoire électrique.The electrical apparatus constituting an electric contactor comprises a plurality of electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and each varying, by an external control particularly of electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact between the mobile and fixed parts. and an open configuration where this electrical contact is not established. For example, the movable portion of the electrical contacts is integral with a movable armature able to move in one direction under the effect of a magnetic field imposed for example by a coil and in the opposite direction under the effect a recall mechanism. This electrical device also comprises elements for fixing the electrical device on a support, such as a support rail of a control cabinet.

L'appareil électrique constituant un bloc auxiliaire comprend des contacts électriques ayant chacun une partie mobile et une partie fixe et variant aussi chacun entre une configuration ouverte et une configuration fermée. Cet appareil électrique de type bloc auxiliaire comprend des éléments permettant que le changement de configuration de ses contacts électriques est commandé par le changement de configuration des contacts électriques du contacteur électrique sur lequel il est monté.The electrical apparatus constituting an auxiliary unit comprises electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and also varying each between an open configuration and a closed configuration. This auxiliary block type electrical apparatus comprises elements allowing the configuration change of its electrical contacts to be controlled by the configuration change of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.

Il doit donc être compris que le terme « appareil électrique » utilisé par la suite peut signifier indifféremment un bloc auxiliaire ou un contacteur électrique. Ainsi, l'invention qui concerne un bornier pour appareil électrique doit être comprise comme étant indifféremment un bornier pour un contacteur électrique ou un bornier pour un bloc auxiliaire tels que décrits ci-dessus dans leurs principes généraux.It must therefore be understood that the term "electrical appliance" used later can mean either an auxiliary unit or an electric contactor. Thus, the invention which relates to a terminal block for electrical apparatus must be understood as being indifferently a terminal block for an electrical contactor or a terminal block for an auxiliary block as described above in their general principles.

Comme il sera expliqué plus loin, le bornier objet de l'invention comprend un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant. En pratique, dans le cas où il s'agit d'un bornier pour un contacteur électrique, le boitier électriquement isolant du bornier pourra constituer en pratique le boitier du contacteur électrique dans son ensemble. Dans le cas où il s'agit d'un bornier pour un bloc auxiliaire, le boitier électriquement isolant du bornier pourra constituer en pratique le boitier du bloc auxiliaire dans son ensemble.As will be explained below, the terminal block object of the invention comprises a housing formed in an electrically insulating material. In practice, in the case where it is a terminal block for an electrical contactor, the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the housing of the electric switch as a whole. In the case where it is a terminal block for an auxiliary block, the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the box of the auxiliary block as a whole.

La Figure 1 annexée représente le cas particulier où le bornier est un bornier pour un bloc auxiliaire, ce bloc auxiliaire étant repéré 10. Tous les principes qui vont être développés en relation avec le bloc auxiliaire 10 pourraient tout à fait être adaptés par l'Homme du Métier au cas d'un bornier pour un contacteur électrique.The Figure 1 appended represents the particular case where the terminal block is a terminal block for an auxiliary block, this auxiliary block being marked 10. All the principles which will be developed in relation to the auxiliary block 10 could quite be adapted by the skilled person to the case of a terminal block for an electric switch.

Le bloc auxiliaire 10 de la Figure 1 comporte un exemple de bornier selon l'invention, ce bornier comprenant le boitier 11 qui est formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant. Le bornier comprend aussi des éléments de fixation 12 configurés de sorte à pouvoir fixer le boitier 11 de manière démontable sur une face avant d'un contacteur électrique (non représenté). En pratique, le boitier 11 constitue le boitier du bloc auxiliaire 10 dans son ensemble. Les éléments de fixation 12, qui peuvent notamment être de type par encliquetage sans que cela ne soit limitatif quant à leur nature, sont positionnés sur la face arrière 13 du bloc auxiliaire 10. Les éléments de fixation 12 sont notamment portés au moins partiellement par le boitier 11, sur sa face arrière. De manière non représentée en détails, le bloc auxiliaire 10 comprend des contacts électriques tels qu'évoqués ci-dessus, ayant chacun une partie fixe et une partie mobile et logés dans le boitier 11. Chaque contact électrique varie, par déplacement de sa partie mobile, entre une configuration ouverte ouvrant le contact électrique entre les parties mobile et fixe et une configuration fermée fermant ce contact électrique. Le bloc auxiliaire 10 comprend des moyens assurant que le changement de configuration de ses contacts électriques est commandé par le changement de configuration des contacts électriques d'un contacteur électrique sur lequel il est monté par l'intermédiaire des éléments de fixation 12. Par exemple, le bloc auxiliaire 10 comprend un élément de manoeuvre 30 solidaire des parties mobiles des contacts électriques et apte à être actionné par l'armature mobile du contacteur électrique sur lequel le bloc auxiliaire 10 est destiné à être fixé par l'intermédiaire des éléments de fixation 12.The auxiliary block 10 of the Figure 1 comprises an example of a terminal block according to the invention, this terminal block comprising the housing 11 which is formed of an electrically insulating material. The terminal block also comprises fixing elements 12 configured so as to fix the housing 11 removably on a front face of an electric switch (not shown). In practice, the housing 11 constitutes the housing of the auxiliary block 10 as a whole. The fastening elements 12, which may in particular be of snap type without this being limiting as to their nature, are positioned on the rear face 13 of the auxiliary block 10. The fastening elements 12 are notably borne at least partially by the case 11, on its rear face. In a manner not shown in detail, the auxiliary unit 10 comprises electrical contacts as mentioned above, each having a fixed part and a movable part and housed in the housing 11. Each electrical contact varies, by moving its moving part , between an open configuration opening the electrical contact between the movable and fixed parts and a closed configuration closing this electrical contact. The auxiliary unit 10 comprises means ensuring that the configuration change of its electrical contacts is controlled by the configuration change of the electrical contacts of an electrical contactor on which it is mounted via the fixing elements 12. For example, the auxiliary unit 10 comprises an actuating element 30 integral with the moving parts of the electrical contacts and able to be actuated by the movable armature of the electrical contactor on which the auxiliary block 10 is intended to be fixed by means of the fastening elements 12 .

Le boitier 11 délimite une pluralité de logements individuels qui vont être décrits plus en détails ci-après. Chaque logement du boitier 11 est agencé de sorte à permettre le montage d'au moins une borne de connexion 14 dans le boitier 11. Ainsi, le bornier comprend une pluralité de bornes de connexion 14 distinctes, accessibles par la face avant 15 du bloc auxiliaire 10, c'est-à-dire la face opposée à la face arrière 13 qui est destinée à être tournée vers le contacteur électrique lorsque le boitier 11 est monté sur ce contacteur électrique via les éléments de fixation 12.The housing 11 delimits a plurality of individual housings which will be described in more detail below. Each housing of the housing 11 is arranged to allow the assembly of at least one connection terminal 14 in the housing 11. Thus, the terminal block comprises a plurality of separate connection terminals 14, accessible through the front face 15 of the auxiliary block 10, that is to say the face opposite to the rear face 13 which is intended to be turned towards the electric switch when the housing 11 is mounted on this electric switch via the fastening elements 12.

Chaque borne de connexion 14 est destinée à établir un contact électrique et mécanique entre un conducteur électrique (tel qu'un fil électrique) inséré dans cette borne de connexion 14 et un conducteur électrique interne au bloc auxiliaire lui-même relié électriquement à la partie fixe de l'un des contacts électriques évoqués ci-dessus. La forme et la nature de ce conducteur électrique interne ne sont en aucun cas limitatives.Each connection terminal 14 is intended to establish an electrical and mechanical contact between an electrical conductor (such as an electrical wire) inserted into this connection terminal 14 and an electrical conductor internal to the auxiliary block itself electrically connected to the fixed part. from one of the contacts mentioned above. The shape and nature of this internal electrical conductor are in no way limiting.

De manière très avantageuse pour répondre aux problématiques présentées par l'art antérieur, le boitier 11 est composé de plusieurs parties indépendantes les unes des autres et aptes à être assemblées les unes aux autres de manière démontable. Notamment, le boitier 11 comprend essentiellement une partie principale 20 et au moins une partie additionnelle 22 distinctes l'une de l'autre et destinées à être assemblées entre elles et un couvercle de protection 19 formé dans une pièce indépendante des parties 20, 22 susmentionnées et destiné à recouvrir les parties 20, 22 pour éviter tout accès manuel aux bornes de connexion 14 pour éviter tout risque d'électrocution.In a very advantageous way to respond to the problems presented by the prior art, the housing 11 is composed of several independent parts of each other and able to be assembled to each other in a demountable manner. In particular, the housing 11 essentially comprises a main portion 20 and at least one additional portion 22 separate from each other and intended to be assembled together and a protective cover 19 formed in a room independent of the parts 20, 22 mentioned above. and intended to cover the parts 20, 22 to prevent manual access to the connection terminals 14 to avoid any risk of electrocution.

Le boitier 11 comprend ainsi une partie principale 20 délimitant au moins une paire de logements latéraux 21 décalés entre eux parallèlement à une première direction D1 et dans chacun desquels est montée une borne de connexion 14 fonctionnant par enfichage direct. Les éléments de fixation 12 sont notamment agencés sur la face arrière de cette partie principale 20.The housing 11 thus comprises a main portion 20 defining at least one pair of lateral housings 21 offset from each other parallel to a first direction D1 and in each of which is mounted a connection terminal 14 operating by direct plugging. The fixing elements 12 are in particular arranged on the rear face of this main part 20.

Le boitier 11 comprend aussi au moins une partie additionnelle 22 formée dans une pièce distincte de la partie principale 20 et délimitant au moins un logement central 23 dans lequel est montée une autre borne de connexion 14 fonctionnant par enfichage direct.The housing 11 also comprises at least one additional portion 22 formed in a separate part of the main part 20 and defining at least one central housing 23 in which is mounted another connection terminal 14 operating by direct plugging.

Le boitier 11 comprend en outre des éléments de montage assurant une fixation, démontable ou non, de chaque partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 dans une configuration fonctionnelle dans laquelle :

  • chaque borne de connexion 14 portée par la partie additionnelle 22 est située entre les bornes de connexion 14 montées dans les logements latéraux 21 délimités par la partie principale 20,
  • les bornes de connexion 14 montées dans les logements latéraux 21 délimités par la partie principale 20 et chaque borne de connexion 14 portée par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 sont disposées le long d'une rangée orientée selon la première direction D1.
The casing 11 further comprises mounting elements ensuring attachment, removable or not, of each additional portion 22 on the main part 20 in a functional configuration in which:
  • each connection terminal 14 carried by the additional part 22 is located between the connection terminals 14 mounted in the lateral housings 21 delimited by the main part 20,
  • the connection terminals 14 mounted in the lateral housings 21 delimited by the main part 20 and each connection terminal 14 carried by the said at least one additional part 22 are arranged along a row oriented in the first direction D1.

Autrement dit, dans la configuration fonctionnelle, chaque logement central 23 de la partie additionnelle 22 est globalement encadré par les deux logements latéraux 21 délimités par la partie principale 20, selon la direction suivant laquelle ces deux logements latéraux 21 sont eux-mêmes décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre.In other words, in the functional configuration, each central housing 23 of the additional part 22 is generally framed by the two lateral housings 21 delimited by the main part 20, in the direction in which these two lateral housings 21 are themselves offset. one compared to the other.

Dans ce document, on entend par « disposer le long d'une rangée » que les bornes de connexion 14 peuvent présenter un certain masquage l'une par rapport à l'autre selon la première direction D1, ce qui autorise donc un certain décalage éventuel d'une borne de connexion 14 à une autre transversalement à la première direction D1.In this document, the term "arrange along a row" that the connection terminals 14 may have some masking relative to each other in the first direction D1, thus allowing some offset possible a connection terminal 14 to another transversely to the first direction D1.

Chaque partie additionnelle 22 vient se positionner, dans sa configuration fonctionnelle, dans un logement de réception 29 délimité par la partie principale 20. Le logement de réception 29 est situé entre les deux logements latéraux 21 de la paire et se trouve encadré par ces derniers suivant la première direction D1.Each additional portion 22 is positioned, in its functional configuration, in a receiving housing 29 delimited by the main portion 20. The receiving housing 29 is located between the two lateral housings 21 of the pair and is framed by the latter the first direction D1.

Pour chaque partie additionnelle 22 envisagée, les éléments de montage qui permettent de fixer la partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 sont configurés de sorte que la fixation de la partie additionnelle 22 nécessite un déplacement entre cette partie additionnelle 22 et la partie principale 20 selon une deuxième direction D2 orientée perpendiculairement à la première direction D1.For each additional part 22 envisaged, the mounting elements which make it possible to fix the additional part 22 on the main part 20 are configured so that the fixing of the additional part 22 requires a displacement between this additional part 22 and the main part 20 according to a second direction D2 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, la première direction D1 et la deuxième direction D2 sont orientées parallèlement au plan dans lequel les éléments de fixation 12 sont situés. La première direction D1 et la deuxième direction D2 sont sensiblement perpendiculaires (à plus ou moins 20 degrés) à la direction d'insertion d'un conducteur électrique dans chaque borne de connexion 14.According to a particular embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are oriented parallel to the plane in which the fastening elements 12 are located. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially perpendicular (at plus or minus 20 degrees) to the insertion direction of an electrical conductor in each connection terminal 14.

La nature et la conception des éléments de montage de chaque partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 ne sont en aucun cas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors qu'elles sont adaptées à la fonction recherchée et décrite ici. En particulier, les éléments de montage de la partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 peuvent comprendre des premiers organes de montage 25 solidaires de la partie principale 20 et des deuxièmes organes de montage 26 solidaires de la partie additionnelle 22, les premiers et deuxièmes organes de montage 25, 26 coopérant entre eux par encliquetage, comme cela est illustré dans l'exemple de la Figure 1.The nature and design of the mounting elements of each additional part 22 on the main part 20 are in no way limiting and may be any as long as they are adapted to the desired function and described here. In particular, the mounting elements of the additional portion 22 on the main portion 20 may comprise first mounting members 25 secured to the main portion 20 and second mounting members 26 integral with the additional portion 22, the first and second members 25, 26 cooperating with each other by snapping, as illustrated in the example of the Figure 1 .

Le couvercle de protection 19 comprend au moins un premier orifice 17 associé à chaque borne de connexion 14 de la partie principale 20 et à chaque borne de connexion 14 de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22, chaque premier orifice 17 étant agencé en regard de la borne de connexion 14 qui lui est associée et comprenant des éléments internes de guidage aptes à guider un conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice 17 jusqu'à s'enficher dans la borne de connexion 14 associée.The protective cover 19 comprises at least a first orifice 17 associated with each connection terminal 14 of the main part 20 and at each connection terminal 14 of said at least one additional part 22, each first orifice 17 being arranged opposite the connection terminal 14 which is associated with it and comprising internal guide elements able to guide an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice 17 until plug into the connection terminal 14 associated.

Il reste toutefois possible que tout ou partie des éléments internes de guidage soient solidaires de la partie principale 20 et/ou de la partie additionnelle 22 correspondante.It remains possible, however, that all or part of the internal guiding elements are integral with the main part 20 and / or the additional part 22 corresponding.

De manière non représentée, la partie principale 20 peut délimiter une seule paire de logements latéraux 21 décalés entre eux selon la première direction D1 et aptes à former une seule rangée de bornes de connexion 14 orientée selon la première direction D1 conjointement avec la ou les borne(s) de connexion 14 montée(s) dans au moins un logement central 23 d'au moins une partie additionnelle 22 venant se positionner entre les logements latéraux 21 de cette paire unique de logements latéraux 21.In a manner not shown, the main portion 20 may delimit a single pair of lateral housings 21 offset from each other in the first direction D1 and able to form a single row of connection terminals 14 oriented in the first direction D1 together with the terminal or terminals (s) 14 connection (s) in at least one central housing 23 of at least one additional portion 22 being positioned between the lateral housing 21 of this single pair of lateral housings 21.

Alternativement et de la manière représentée sur la Figure 1, la partie principale 20 peut délimiter au moins deux paires distinctes de logements latéraux 21 où les deux logements latéraux 21 de chacune des deux paires sont décalés entre eux parallèlement à la première direction D1. Deux logements latéraux 21 appartenant à des paires différentes sont décalés dans une direction perpendiculaire à la première direction D1, orientée notamment selon la deuxième direction D2. Les logements latéraux 21 des deux paires sont agencés de sorte que, lorsque ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 est fixée sur la partie principale 20 et occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, les bornes de connexion 14 montées dans les logements latéraux 21 des deux paires délimitées par la partie principale 20 et les bornes de connexion 14 portées par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 sont disposées le long de deux rangées distinctes parallèles et orientées selon la première direction D1.Alternatively and in the way represented on the Figure 1 the main part 20 may delimit at least two distinct pairs of lateral housings 21 where the two lateral housings 21 of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction D1. Two lateral housings 21 belonging to different pairs are offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, oriented in particular along the second direction D2. The lateral housings 21 of the two pairs are arranged so that, when said at least one additional part 22 is fixed on the main part 20 and occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals 14 mounted in the lateral housings 21 of the two pairs delimited by the main part 20 and the connection terminals 14 carried by said at least one additional part 22 are arranged along two distinct parallel rows and oriented in the first direction D1.

Que la partie principale 20 comprenne un ou au moins deux paire(s) de logement latéraux 21, le boitier 11 peut éventuellement comporter une seule partie additionnelle 22 à rapporter de manière amovible sur la partie principale 20, cette unique partie additionnelle 22 comprenant alors une ou plusieurs bornes de connexion 14 montée(s) dans des logements centraux 23 correspondants. Alternativement, le boitier 11 peut comprendre au moins deux parties additionnelles 22 distinctes, chaque partie additionnelle 22 délimitant au moins un logement central 23. La borne de connexion 14 montée dans ledit au moins un logement central 23 de l'une desdites au moins deux parties additionnelles 22 appartient à l'une des deux rangées et la borne de connexion 24 montée dans ledit au moins un logement central 23 de l'autre desdites au moins deux parties additionnelles 22 appartient à l'autre des deux rangées lorsque chaque partie additionnelle 22 occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle.That the main part 20 comprises one or at least two pairs of lateral housing 21, the housing 11 may optionally comprise a single additional portion 22 to removably relate to the main portion 20, this single additional portion 22 then comprising a or several connection terminals 14 mounted in corresponding central recesses 23. Alternatively, the housing 11 may comprise at least two separate additional parts 22, each additional portion 22 delimiting at least one central housing 23. The connection terminal 14 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of one of said at least two parts additional 22 belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal 24 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of the other of said at least two additional parts 22 belongs to the other of the two rows when each additional part 22 occupies its functional configuration.

Dans l'exemple qui est illustré sur la Figure 1, sans que cela ne soit limitatif quant à la liberté de conception et d'organisation du boitier 11 ainsi décomposé en parties distinctes, le boitier 11 comprend deux parties additionnelles 22 distinctes et chacun d'elles délimite deux logements centraux 23. Ces deux parties additionnelles 22 sont destinées à être montées sur la même et unique partie principale 20. Lorsque chacune des deux parties additionnelles 22 occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, elles sont décalées l'une par rapport à l'autre selon la deuxième direction D2. La partie principale 20 délimite quant à elle une première paire de logements latéraux 21 destinés à constituer une première rangée orientée selon la première direction D1 conjointement avec les deux logements centraux 23 de l'une des deux parties additionnelles 22 et une seconde paire de logements latéraux 21 destinés à constituer une seconde rangée orientée selon la première direction D1 conjointement avec les deux logements centraux 23 de l'autre des deux parties additionnelles 22. Chacune de ces deux rangées comprend deux bornes de connexion 14 montées dans la partie principale 20 et deux bornes de connexion 14 montées dans l'une des deux parties additionnelles 22.In the example that is illustrated on the Figure 1 , without this being limiting as to the freedom of design and organization of the housing 11 thus broken down into distinct parts, the housing 11 comprises two separate additional parts 22 and each of them delimits two central housings 23. These two additional parts 22 are intended to be mounted on the same and only main part 20. When each of the two additional parts 22 occupies its functional configuration, they are offset relative to each other in the second direction D2. The main portion 20 delimits a first pair of lateral housings 21 intended to constitute a first row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of one of the two additional parts 22 and a second pair of lateral housings 21 intended to form a second row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of the other of the two additional parts 22. Each of these two rows comprises two connection terminals 14 mounted in the main part 20 and two terminals connection 14 mounted in one of the two additional parts 22.

Au sein du bornier objet de l'invention, chaque borne de connexion 14 montée dans le boitier 11 fonctionne par enfichage direct et comprend à cet effet un ressort de contact 16 agencé de sorte à s'ouvrir automatiquement sous l'action de l'insertion du conducteur électrique dans le ressort de contact 16 et à exercer ensuite, par rappel élastique de sa matière, un effort de pression sur le conducteur électrique après son enfichage, cet effort de pression étant capable de maintenir le conducteur électrique axialement bloqué par le ressort de contact 16. Les bornes de connexion 14 fonctionnant par enfichage direct sont aussi connues sous le nom de borne de connexion à pression ou « push-in » en terminologie anglo-saxonne.Within the terminal block object of the invention, each connection terminal 14 mounted in the housing 11 operates by direct plugging and comprises for this purpose a contact spring 16 arranged to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor in the contact spring 16 and then exert, by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after its insertion, this pressure force being able to maintain the electrical conductor axially blocked by the spring of contact 16. The connection terminals 14 operating by direct plugging are also known by the name of connection terminal pressure or "push-in" in English terminology.

Pour cela, chaque ressort de contact 16 peut comprendre une partie élastique subissant une déformation élastique sous l'action d'une force extérieure appliquée sur le ressort de contact 16 :

  • soit par le conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice 17 pour venir placer le conducteur électrique dans une position de contact avec le ressort de contact 16 en étant maintenant axialement par ce dernier,
  • soit par un outil inséré dans un deuxième orifice 18 délimité par le boitier 11 (de manière adjacente à l'un des premiers orifices 17) pour ouvrir le ressort de contact 16 et libérer le conducteur électrique afin de le retirer hors de sa position de contact.
For this, each contact spring 16 may comprise an elastic portion undergoing elastic deformation under the action of an external force applied to the contact spring 16:
  • either by the electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice 17 to place the electrical conductor in a position of contact with the contact spring 16 while being now axially by the latter,
  • either by a tool inserted into a second orifice 18 delimited by the housing 11 (adjacent to one of the first orifices 17) to open the contact spring 16 and release the electrical conductor to remove it from its contact position .

Au niveau de chaque borne de connexion 14, le couvercle de protection 19 délimite au moins un tel premier orifice 17 et au moins un tel deuxième orifice 18. Dans la variante illustrée, il est prévu à l'aplomb de chaque borne de connexion 14 deux premiers orifices 17 et deux deuxièmes orifices 18 de sorte que chaque borne de connexion 14 permet la mise en place de deux conducteurs électriques différents. En effet, il est à noter qu'en fonction de la conception des bornes de connexion 14, chacune d'elles peut permette de connecter un ou plusieurs conducteur(s) électrique(s) distincts.At each connection terminal 14, the protective cover 19 delimits at least one such first orifice 17 and at least one such second orifice 18. In the variant shown, it is provided at the base of each connection terminal 14 two first orifices 17 and two second orifices 18 so that each connection terminal 14 allows the introduction of two different electrical conductors. Indeed, it should be noted that depending on the design of the connection terminals 14, each of them can allow to connect one or more conductors (s) electric (s) distinct.

La nature et l'organisation du ressort de contact 16 ne sont pas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors que le ressort de contact 16 répond aux fonctions présentées de manière générale précédemment. L'organisation de la partie élastique peut être fonction de la matière et de la forme du ressort de contact, de l'épaisseur attendue des conducteurs électriques à maintenir, de l'effort de pression recherchée pour maintenir le conducteur électrique dans sa position de contact, de la forme et de la conception du boitier 11 etc....The nature and organization of the contact spring 16 are not limiting and may be any as soon as the contact spring 16 meets the functions presented in a general manner previously. The organization of the elastic part may be a function of the material and the shape of the contact spring, the expected thickness of the electrical conductors to be maintained, the desired pressure force to keep the electrical conductor in its contact position. , the shape and design of the case 11 etc ....

Chaque borne de connexion 14 est équipée d'au moins une surface d'appui configurée de sorte à guider la manière dont se déforme le ressort de contact 16 durant l'insertion du conducteur électrique et à limiter sa déformation. La nature et l'organisation de ladite au moins une surface d'appui est directement liée à celles du ressort de contact 16 correspondant. Chaque surface d'appui est mise en place par rapport au ressort de contact 16 moyennant un déplacement relatif orienté parallèlement à la première direction D1. Les surfaces d'appui peuvent être solidaires d'une pièce couramment appelée « clé » solidaire du boitier 11, en venant de matière avec celui-ci ou non, ou indépendante et amovible par rapport au boitier 11 et au ressort 16. La Figure 1 représente le cas particulier où la clé qui porte les surfaces d'appui est indépendante du boitier 11 et du ressort 16 correspondant et prend la forme d'une agrafe 24 indépendante du boitier 11 et du ressort 16. Dans cette dernière variante, l'agrafe 24 comprend des éléments de fixation configurés de sorte à pouvoir monter l'agrafe 24 sur le ressort de contact 16, notamment de manière réversible. L'agrafe 24 délimite une face d'appui contre laquelle le ressort de contact 16 s'appuie durant la déformation de sa partie élastique sous l'action de la force extérieure, pour imposer la manière dont la partie élastique du ressort de contact 16 se déforme spatialement et contre laquelle le ressort de contact 16 vient buter dans son état de déformation maximale pour limiter la déformation élastique de la partie élastique du ressort de contact en-dessous d'une valeur prédéterminée quelle que soit l'intensité de la force extérieure imposée par le conducteur électrique ou par l'outil de déverrouillage.Each connection terminal 14 is equipped with at least one support surface configured to guide the manner in which the contact spring 16 deforms during the insertion of the electrical conductor and to limit its deformation. The nature and organization of said at least one bearing surface is directly related to those of the corresponding contact spring 16. Each bearing surface is placed in relation to the contact spring 16 with a relative displacement oriented parallel to the first direction D1. The bearing surfaces may be integral with a piece commonly called "key" secured to the housing 11, coming from material with the latter or not, or independent and removable from the housing 11 and the spring 16. The Figure 1 represents the particular case where the key carrying the bearing surfaces is independent of the housing 11 and the corresponding spring 16 and takes the form of a clip 24 independent of the housing 11 and the spring 16. In the latter variant, the clip 24 comprises fixing elements configured so as to mount the clip 24 on the contact spring 16, in particular reversibly. The clip 24 defines a bearing surface against which the contact spring 16 is supported during the deformation of its elastic portion under the action of the external force, to impose the manner in which the elastic portion of the contact spring 16 is deforms spatially and against which the contact spring 16 abuts in its state of maximum deformation to limit the elastic deformation of the elastic portion of the contact spring below a predetermined value whatever the intensity of the external force imposed by the electrical conductor or by the unlocking tool.

Chaque agrafe 24 est montée sur le ressort de contact 16 avec lequel elle coopère selon une direction de montage orientée transversalement au plan dans lequel le ressort de contact 16 se déforme et parallèlement à la première direction D1. Au niveau de chaque borne de connexion 14, l'agrafe 24 est montée sur le ressort de contact 16 avant la mise en place du ressort 16 soit dans l'un des logements latéraux 21 de la partie principale 20, soit dans un logement central 23 de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22. Ensuite, chaque partie additionnelle 22 équipée préalablement des ressorts de contact 16 et des agrafes 24 au niveau de chacune de ses bornes de connexion 14 est assemblée avec la partie principale 20.Each clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 with which it cooperates in a mounting direction oriented transversely to the plane in which the contact spring 16 is deformed and parallel to the first direction D1. At each connection terminal 14, the clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 before the spring 16 is put into place either in one of the lateral housings 21 of the main part 20, or in a central housing 23. of said at least one additional part 22. Next, each additional part 22 previously equipped with contact springs 16 and staples 24 at each of its connection terminals 14 is assembled with the main part 20.

Le boitier 11 comprend des éléments d'assemblage assurant une fixation démontable du couvercle de protection 19 sur la partie principale 20 et sur ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 occupant la configuration fonctionnelle, dans une configuration opérationnelle (non représentée) dans laquelle le couvercle de protection 19 recouvre tout ou partie de la partie principale 20 et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 d'une manière interdisant un accès manuel aux bornes de connexion 14 portées par la partie principale 20 et par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22.The housing 11 comprises assembly elements providing a removable attachment of the protective cover 19 on the main part 20 and on said at least one additional part 22 occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration (not shown) in which the cover of protection 19 covers all or part of the main part 20 and of said at least one additional part 22 in a way preventing manual access to the connection terminals 14 carried by the main part 20 and by said at least one additional part 22.

Selon un mode de réalisation non limitatif, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection 19 sont configurés de sorte que la fixation du couvercle de protection 19 nécessite un déplacement relatif entre le couvercle de protection 19 et la partie principale 20 selon une troisième direction D3 orientée perpendiculairement à la première direction D1. La troisième direction D3 est notamment perpendiculaire à la deuxième direction D2 également. La troisième direction D3 est notamment orientée perpendiculairement au plan dans lequel les éléments de fixation 12 sont situés.According to a nonlimiting embodiment, the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover 19 requires a relative displacement between the protective cover 19 and the main part 20 in a third direction D3 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is in particular perpendicular to the second direction D2 also. The third direction D3 is in particular oriented perpendicularly to the plane in which the fastening elements 12 are located.

La nature et la conception des éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection 19 ne sont en aucun cas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors qu'elles sont adaptées à la fonction recherchée et décrite ici. En particulier, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection 19 peuvent par exemple comprendre des premiers organes d'assemblage 27 solidaires de la partie principale 20 et de deuxièmes organes d'assemblage 28 solidaires du couvercle de protection 19, les premiers et deuxièmes organes d'assemblage 27, 28 coopérant entre eux par encliquetage, comme cela est représenté sur la Figure 1.The nature and design of the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are in no way limiting and may be any as soon as they are adapted to the desired function and described here. In particular, the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 may for example comprise first assembly members 27 integral with the main part 20 and second assembly members 28 integral with the protective cover 19, the first and second members assembly 27, 28 cooperating with one another by latching, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 .

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation représentés et décrits ci-avant, mais en couvre au contraire toutes les variantes.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described above, but covers all variants.

Claims (12)

Bornier pour un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire (10) apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique, le bornier comprenant un boitier (11) formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant, le boitier (11) comprenant une partie principale (20) délimitant au moins une paire de logements latéraux (21) décalés entre eux parallèlement à une première direction (D1) et dans chacun desquels une borne de connexion (14) par enfichage direct est montée, au moins une partie additionnelle (22) formée dans une pièce distincte de la partie principale (20) et délimitant au moins un logement central (23) dans lequel une autre borne de connexion (14) par enfichage direct est montée, et des éléments de montage (25, 26) assurant une fixation de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) sur la partie principale (20) dans une configuration fonctionnelle dans laquelle chaque borne de connexion (14) portée par ladite partie additionnelle (22) est située entre les bornes de connexion (14) montées dans les logements latéraux (21) délimités par la partie principale (20) et dans laquelle les bornes de connexion (14) montées dans les logements latéraux (21) délimités par la partie principale (20) et chaque borne de connexion (14) portée par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) sont disposées le long d'une rangée orientée selon la première direction (D1).Terminal block for an electrical apparatus, in particular an electric contactor or an auxiliary block (10) adapted to be coupled to an electric contactor, the terminal block comprising a housing (11) formed of an electrically insulating material, the housing (11) comprising a main part (20) delimiting at least one pair of lateral housings (21) offset from each other parallel to a first direction (D1) and in each of which a direct plug connection terminal (14) is mounted, at least an additional portion (22) formed in a separate part of the main part (20) and delimiting at least one central housing (23) in which another direct plug connection terminal (14) is mounted, and mounting elements (25, 26) providing a attaching said at least one additional portion (22) to the main portion (20) in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal (14) carried by said additional portion (22) is located between the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral recesses (21) delimited by the main part (20) and in which the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral recesses (21) delimited by the main part (20) and each connection terminal (14) carried by said at least one additional part (22) are arranged along a row oriented in the first direction (D1). Bornier selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la partie principale (20) délimite deux paires distinctes de logements latéraux (21) où les deux logements latéraux (21) de chacune des deux paires sont décalés entre eux parallèlement à la première direction (D1), deux logements latéraux (21) appartenant à des paires différentes étant décalés dans une direction perpendiculaire à la première direction (D1), les logements latéraux (21) des deux paires étant agencés de sorte que, lorsque ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, les bornes de connexion (14) montées dans les logements latéraux (21) des deux paires délimitées par la partie principale (20) et les bornes de connexion (14) portées par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) sont disposées le long de deux rangées distinctes parallèles et orientées selon la première direction (D1).Terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that the main part (20) delimits two distinct pairs of lateral housings (21) where the two lateral housings (21) of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction (D1 ), two lateral housings (21) belonging to different pairs being offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1), the lateral housings (21) of the two pairs being arranged so that, when said at least one additional part ( 22) occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral housings (21) of the two pairs delimited by the main part (20) and the connection terminals (14) carried by the said at least one additional part ( 22) are arranged along two distinct parallel rows and oriented in the first direction (D1). Bornier selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le boitier (11) comprend deux parties additionnelles (22) distinctes, chaque partie additionnelle (22) délimitant au moins un logement central (23) et en ce que la borne de connexion (14) montée dans ledit au moins un logement central (23) de l'une des deux parties additionnelles (22) appartient à l'une des deux rangées et la borne de connexion (14) montée dans ledit au moins un logement central (23) de l'autre des deux parties additionnelles (22) appartient à l'autre des deux rangées lorsque les deux parties additionnelles (22) occupent leurs configurations fonctionnelles.Terminal block according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing (11) comprises two separate additional parts (22), each additional part (22) delimiting at least one central housing (23) and in that the connection terminal (14) mounted in said at least one central housing (23) of one of the two additional parts (22) belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal (14) mounted in said at least one central housing (23) of the other of the two additional parts (22) belongs to the other of the two rows when the two additional parts (22) occupy their functional configurations. Bornier selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que chaque borne de connexion (14) par enfichage direct comprend un ressort de contact (16) monté dans la partie principale (20) ou dans ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) et au moins une surface d'appui configurée de sorte à guider la manière dont se déforme le ressort de contact (16) et à limiter sa déformation, la surface d'appui étant mise en place par rapport au ressort de contact (16) moyennant un déplacement relatif orienté selon la première direction (D1).Terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each direct plug connection terminal (14) comprises a contact spring (16) mounted in the main part (20) or in said at least one additional part (22) and at least one bearing surface configured to guide the manner in which the contact spring (16) is deformed and to limit its deformation, the bearing surface being positioned relative to the contact spring ( 16) with a relative movement oriented in the first direction (D1). Bornier selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que ladite au moins une surface d'appui est solidaire d'une agrafe (24) indépendante à la fois du boitier (11) et du ressort de contact (16) et comprenant des éléments de fixation configurés de sorte à pouvoir monter l'agrafe (24) sur le ressort de contact (16), notamment de manière réversible.Terminal block according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one bearing surface is integral with a clip (24) independent of both the housing (11) and the contact spring (16) and comprising fixing elements configured so that the clip (24) can be mounted on the contact spring (16), in particular reversibly. Bornier selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de montage (25, 26) de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) sur la partie principale (20) sont configurés de sorte que la fixation de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) nécessite un déplacement relatif entre la partie additionnelle (22) et la partie principale (20) selon une deuxième direction (D2) orientée transversalement à la première direction (D1).Terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mounting elements (25, 26) of said at least one additional part (22) on the main part (20) are configured so that the fixing of said at least one additional portion (22) requires a relative displacement between the additional portion (22) and the main portion (20) in a second direction (D2) oriented transversely to the first direction (D1). Bornier selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la première direction (D1) et la deuxième direction (D2) sont orientées parallèlement au plan dans lequel sont positionnés des éléments de fixation (12) du boitier (11) à un support extérieur à l'appareil électrique tel qu'un rail de support d'une armoire électrique dans le cas où l'appareil électrique est un contacteur électrique ou un boitier d'un contacteur électrique dans le cas où l'appareil électrique est un bloc auxiliaire.Terminal block according to claim 6, characterized in that the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) are oriented parallel to the plane in which are positioned fastening elements (12) of the housing (11) to a support external to the electrical apparatus such as a support rail of an electrical cabinet in the case where the electrical apparatus is an electric contactor or a case of an electric contactor in the case where the electrical apparatus is an auxiliary unit. Bornier selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de montage (25, 26) de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) sur la partie principale (20) comprennent des premiers organes de montage (25) solidaires de la partie principale (20) et des deuxièmes organes de montage (26) solidaires de la partie additionnelle (22), les premiers et deuxièmes organes de montage (25, 26) coopérant entre eux par encliquetage.Terminal block according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mounting elements (25, 26) of said at least one additional part (22) on the main part (20) comprise first mounting members (25) integral with the main part (20) and the second mounting members (26) integral with the additional part (22), the first and second mounting members (25, 26) cooperating with each other by snap-fastening. Bornier selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que le boitier (11) comprend un couvercle de protection (19) formé dans une pièce indépendante de la partie principale (20) et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22), et des éléments d'assemblage (27, 28) assurant une fixation démontable du couvercle de protection (19) sur la partie principale (20) et sur ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) occupant la configuration fonctionnelle, dans une configuration opérationnelle dans laquelle le couvercle de protection (19) recouvre tout ou partie de la partie principale (20) et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22) d'une manière interdisant un accès manuel aux bornes de connexion (14) par enfichage direct portées par la partie principale (20) et par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22).Terminal block according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing (11) comprises a protective cover (19) formed in a part independent of the main part (20) and said at least one additional part (22). ), and connecting elements (27, 28) providing a removable attachment of the protective cover (19) on the main part (20) and on said at least one additional part (22) occupying the functional configuration, in a configuration in which the protective cover (19) covers all or part of the main part (20) and said at least one additional part (22) in a way that prevents manual access to the connection terminals (14) by direct plugging carried by the main part (20) and by said at least one additional part (22). Bornier selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que les éléments d'assemblage (27, 28) du couvercle de protection (19) sont configurés de sorte que la fixation du couvercle de protection (19) nécessite un déplacement relatif entre le couvercle de protection (19) et la partie principale (20) selon une troisième direction (D3) orientée transversalement à la première direction (D1).Terminal block according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting elements (27, 28) of the protective cover (19) are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover (19) requires a relative movement between the protective cover (19) and the main part (20) in a third direction (D3) oriented transversely to the first direction (D1). Bornier selon l'une des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que les éléments d'assemblage (27, 28) du couvercle de protection (19) comprennent des premiers organes d'assemblage (27) solidaires de la partie principale (20) et des deuxièmes organes d'assemblage (28) solidaires du couvercle de protection (19), les premiers et deuxièmes organes d'assemblage (27, 28) coopérant entre eux par encliquetage.Terminal block according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the connecting elements (27, 28) of the protective cover (19) comprise first connecting members (27) secured to the main part (20). and second connecting members (28) integral with the protective cover (19), the first and second connecting members (27, 28) cooperating with each other by snap-fastening. Bornier selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11, caractérisé en ce que le couvercle de protection (19) comprend au moins un premier orifice (17) associé à chaque borne de connexion (14) de la partie principale (20) et à chaque borne de connexion (14) de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle (22), chaque premier orifice (17) étant agencé en regard de la borne de connexion (14) qui lui est associée et comprenant des éléments internes de guidage aptes à guider un conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice (17) jusqu'à s'enficher dans la borne de connexion (14) associée.Terminal block according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the protective cover (19) comprises at least a first orifice (17) associated with each connection terminal (14) of the main part (20) and at each connecting terminal (14) of said at least one additional part (22), each first orifice (17) being arranged facing the connecting terminal (14) associated therewith and comprising internal guiding elements able to guide a electrical conductor during its insertion through the first port (17) until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal (14).
EP17151113.2A 2017-01-12 2017-01-12 Modular electric device Active EP3349306B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17151113.2A EP3349306B1 (en) 2017-01-12 2017-01-12 Modular electric device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17151113.2A EP3349306B1 (en) 2017-01-12 2017-01-12 Modular electric device

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EP3349306A1 true EP3349306A1 (en) 2018-07-18
EP3349306B1 EP3349306B1 (en) 2022-08-10

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1555726A1 (en) * 2004-01-15 2005-07-20 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Terminal device for connecting electrical conductors to electric apparatus
US20060223342A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 Joachim Borst Carrier element for connection terminal
EP2037536A2 (en) * 2007-09-11 2009-03-18 MC Technology GmbH Connection terminal
DE202010009253U1 (en) * 2010-06-18 2010-09-16 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Manifold strip
DE202015105021U1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2016-12-23 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Connection housing with a connecting device for conductors

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005027824B4 (en) * 2005-06-15 2013-09-12 Eaton Industries Gmbh Electrical switching device with plug-in device
DE102008017245B4 (en) * 2008-04-04 2010-03-25 Moeller Gmbh Plug-in adapter for an electrical switching device
FR2949017B3 (en) * 2009-08-05 2011-06-24 Abb France ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTACTOR WITH ITS CONNECTION MODULES AND ACCESSORIES

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1555726A1 (en) * 2004-01-15 2005-07-20 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Terminal device for connecting electrical conductors to electric apparatus
US20060223342A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 Joachim Borst Carrier element for connection terminal
EP2037536A2 (en) * 2007-09-11 2009-03-18 MC Technology GmbH Connection terminal
DE202010009253U1 (en) * 2010-06-18 2010-09-16 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Manifold strip
DE202015105021U1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2016-12-23 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Connection housing with a connecting device for conductors

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